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lawful of Pembroke and drive him into rebellion, it is not impossible all England would rise with him. Even if it does not, the anger and bitterness of the barons will be a hundredfold increased. Each will see himself treated as Pembroke is." |
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"Ian," Alinor breathed softly, "is there no way to be rid of this king?" |
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"He is my king. I do not wish to be rid of him," Ian replied firmly. "I wish to control him so that he cannot do harm. I tell you there is good in him also. Salisbury is a clever man. He will send Pembroke to Ireland to tame the Irish. For a year or two, John will be sufficiently busy coming to terms with his new Archbishop of Canterbury to have no thoughts of one who is out of sight. Which reminds me, I have yet to tell you what brought three bishops to our weddingbut that can wait. Then John will go to Ireland with an army that need do nothing beyond marching about. Thus John will win a great victory, and in his pride he will forgive Pembrokewho will have done all the workand all will be well again." |
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"I understand what you have said about John being an English king. Nonetheless, my gorge rises" |
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"Swallow it, then! At least the king is coming to know he is no great soldier. If he can have the appearance of leading, he is content to leave such matters to Salisbury now. In many things he is hated for what is no fault of his own. John is greatly blamed for the rise in taxes, but if he had not received a kingdom deep in debt owing to Richard's crusade and Richard's ransom, the taxes would be much less." |
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"Perhaps, but you know, Ian, it is the man, not the money. Oh, I do not love to part with what is mine any more than another." That made her husband snort with laughter. Alinor was a good deal more reluctant than most to part with anything. She cast him a glance of amusement mingled with irritation, but it did not divert her from her subject. "It is what I said before. A man |
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